Fear of the Lord is one of the greatest blessings that we can have in our life. Fear of the Lord is much different than fear we typically think of. Our children usually had a night light in their room when they were young. A night light can be a fantastic instrument to help children not be afraid of the dark and to lessen their fear.
When we are fearful of things, it can be agonizing, but not all fear is bad. When you hear the tornado siren go off, the fear that motivates you to take shelter is your friend. If the fear of having an automobile accident keeps you from drinking and driving, you should listen to that fear.
Fear of the Lord is a Blessing
The Psalmist gives insight into the fear of the Lord. Psalm 128:1 How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! [1] When the Bible talks about this type of fear, it is not thinking of fear that makes us run away for safety. Fear of the Lord is being astounded by His glory, amazed at his power, and speechless by His holiness.
When we are aware of God’s fantastic presence, we are inclined to bend our knees in reverence for Him, not to hide from Him. We revere God because we realize He is the creator of the universe and King of Kings. When I fear the Lord, it saturates my life, changing my daily life. Indeed, when I revere God, I am more likely to follow His ways.
The Lord Wanted the Israelites to Revere Him
After God spoke the ten commandments verbally to the Israelites from heaven as they gathered around Mt. Sinai, He showed His glory and power. Exodus 20:18 When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear.[2]
The Lord did not show His power and glory to scare them but to give them greater awareness of His holiness. Exodus 20:20 “Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!” [3] God designed this demonstration of power and glory to keep people from sinful behavior. He loved them so much that He warned them of sin’s destructive power.
To learn more about the fear of the Lord, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-rules
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.